Athens – City break Highlights: Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Visit the mythical Greek capital. A modern metropolis with the

flair of antiquity, which is considered the cradle of democracy.

Itinerary: 1. day: Arrival in Athens Welcome in Athens! Meeting with our local tourist guide and transfer to Athens for a first bus-tour. Arrival at the hotel for getting your rooms and then will follow a welcome-drink with your guide. Afterwards you ‘ll have the chance for a first walk in . 2. day: Acropolis, city center The day begins with a visit at Acropolis. Standing proudly on the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, Acropolis is the most important site in the Greek capital. Here we visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of the city: the Propylea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis; the Temple of Athena Nike, resting on a rocky outcrop, positioned so the Athenian people could worship the goddess of victory (= Athena Nike) in hope for prosperous outcomes in the war’s endeavors; the Erechtheion, associated with some of the most ancient and holly relics of the Athenians; and finally we stop to admire the Parthenon, an enduring symbol of ancient , the Athenian Democracy and the western civilization. Built exclusively with pentelic marble during the 5th century BC, when Athenian Empire was at its highest power, the Parthenon took its name Athena Parthenos, Athens’ patron goddess. Going then to , where a panel of Paul the Apostle reminds of his famous and important speech in front of the Athenians. Continuation of the walk through the Roman and Greek Agora, , Plaka, Metro station at Syntagma, which has a magnificent exhibition of finds discovered during the excavations for the Metro. Dinner and overnight stay. 3. day: City tour & Museums This sightseeing tour will give you the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our guide will take you to see the , where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Pass by the Presidential residence, ex Royal Palace, guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform; the Temple of the Olympian Zeus; the Hadrian's arch; the parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, also guarded by the Evzones; the Academy; the University; the National Library; and the Constitution Square. Visit then the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important Museums of the world.

Suggestion A: Continuing to Piraeus with the largest commercial port in the Mediterranean. You ‘ll visit the Maritime Museum where you can admire 2,500. Further with a tour of the yacht port of Piraeus and

then drive back to Athens, passing by the stadiums and the Olympic facilities. Dinner and overnight stay.

Suggestion B: Drive west to visit Eleusis, one of the five sacred cities of Greece. Birthplace of the tragic poet Aeschylus, Eleusis was dedicated to goddess Demeter. The city is also known for the Eleusinian mysteries. Visit the archaeological museum where unique artifacts are presented, which show the history of Eleusis. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Suggestion C: Continue to visit the archaeological site of , the most important ancient cemetery, a small oasis in middle of the city. Visit the small national museum with numerous finds from the excavations. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay. 4. day: Attica roundtrip In the morning drive to visit the sanctuary of Amphiaerion in Oropos, a major health resort and an Oracle site of the ancient world. Drive then to Vravrona, once a sanctuary of ancient Athens, where the Temple of Artemis is located. Continuation to Cape Sounion and visit the Poseidon temple with magnificent views over the sea. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Note: The site in Vravrona is currently not to visit due to renovation works. The visit to the Museum is possible. 5. day: Museums in Athens on foot In the morning walk past the houses and the Evzones to visit the Cycladic Museum, a private museum with splendid finds from the Cyclades and with a collection of about 3,000 objects. Visit then the Benaki Museum with valuable and beautiful exhibits from various periods of Greece. Continuation of the 'Museum' day with a visit to the Byzantine Museum, one of the most important museums of Byzantine and post Byzantine culture and art. The collection has more than 25,000 objects from the 3rd until the 20th cent. from Greece, Asia and the Balkans. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay. 6. day: Departure Depending on the time of departure you may have the possibility for a last walk through the flea market of Monastiraki and Plaka. Transfer to the airport of Athens, adoption and return flight.

Following services are included: Welcome-Drink Transfers with modern, air-conditioned coach Middle or first class lodging Half-board in hotel or in tavern Professional guide

Request a quote: If you are interested in this tour, please send us your request: [email protected]

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7-9 Tideos str. Athens-11635 Greece T: +30.210.7010629 F: +30.210.7010627 E: [email protected] www.benletoni-tours.gr IATA nr: 2721221-6 Ministry of Tourism reg. nr: 0206E6100015800